- Tesla has upgraded the Model Y by adopting BYD blade batteries, resulting in significantly improved charging speeds.
- BYD’s blade battery consistently maintains higher peak charging speeds compared to CATL’s Kirin battery used in the Model Y.
- Tesla’s addition of BYD as a second supplier for Model Y batteries in Europe emphasizes their commitment to battery source diversification and improving the charging experience.
Tesla’s change in EV battery technology sees significant boosts in charging speed.
Tesla has made a significant upgrade to its Model Y electric vehicle (EV) at their Berlin gigafactory by adopting BYD blade batteries. The new EV battery has led to a remarkable improvement in charging speeds.
Until recently, CATL, another Chinese EV battery maker, was the sole supplier for Model Y batteries in Europe. However, in early May, Tesla introduced BYD as a second supplier.
Data from the German forum Tesla Fahrer und Freunde reveals that the Model Y with the BYD blade battery consistently maintains higher peak charging speeds compared to the CATL version.
Both the BYD blade battery and CATL’s Kirin battery utilize lithium iron phosphate (LFP) technology. However, the BYD battery stands out by enabling faster and more consistent charging throughout the entire charging process.
According to Notebook Check, Model Y owners with the new BYD battery packs can maintain peak charging speeds of 172 kW until the battery reaches 50% capacity, after which charging gradually slows down.
In contrast, the Model Y with the 62 kWh CATL battery experiences a rapid drop in charging speeds, reaching only 50 kW by the time it reaches 90% charge. This clearly emphasizes the advantage of the BYD blade battery.
BYD assures that the increased charging speeds do not negatively impact the overall lifespan of the battery. Tesla’s decision to incorporate BYD’s EV battery technology underscores their commitment to enhancing their customers’ charging experience.
However, CATL’s upcoming MP3 battery, set for production this year, could raise the bar for EV battery technology even higher. CATL claims that the M3P battery will exhibit greater energy density and outperform their current LFP batteries. The M3P battery features a similar chemistry to improved LFP batteries but with the addition of manganese. Will CATL’s new offering be enough to find their way back into the Model Y?
